modifier

[ˈmɒdɪfaɪə(r)]

modifier Definition

• 1. a word or group of words that describes or limits the meaning of another word or group of words
• 2. a person or thing that modifies something

Using modifier: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "modifier" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  In the phrase 'big house,' 'big' is a modifier of 'house.'

• Example

  The adverb 'quickly' is a modifier of the verb 'run.'

• Example

  The teacher acted as a modifier of the student's behavior.

modifier Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for modifier

• qualifier
• limiter
• adjective
• adverb

Phrases with modifier

• dangling modifier

  a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence

  Example

  Walking to the store, the rain started to fall. (The modifier 'walking to the store' is not clearly modifying any word in the sentence.)

• split infinitive

  an infinitive verb form that has a word (usually an adverb) between 'to' and the base verb form

  Example

  To boldly go where no one has gone before. ('Boldly' is a modifier splitting the infinitive 'to go'.)

• misplaced modifier

  a modifier that is placed too far away from the word it modifies, causing confusion or ambiguity

  Example

  I saw a man on the hill with a telescope. (It is unclear whether the man or the speaker has the telescope.)

Origins of modifier

from Latin 'modificare', meaning 'to limit, restrain'

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Summary: modifier in Brief

A 'modifier' [ˈmɒdɪfaɪə(r)] is a word or group of words that describes or limits the meaning of another word or group of words. It can be an adjective, adverb, or other qualifier, as in 'big house' or 'quickly run.' 'Modifier' also refers to a person or thing that modifies something, as in a teacher modifying a student's behavior. Common errors include dangling modifiers, split infinitives, and misplaced modifiers.